Manuel Tavora

Experience

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  Pedro Silva Dias Atelier

  Jan 1998 - Jan 1999

  Product, Industrial and Graphic Designer

  Projects developed include:- Phone booths for PT Portugal Telecom (completed)- Signage for Universidade de Coimbra (completed)- Calendar for Ordem dos Arquitectos (completed)

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  Michael Marriott Design Studio

  Jan 1999 - Jan 1999

  Product, Furniture and Exhibition Designer

  Projects developed include:- Exhibition design support for Stealing Beauty, at the ICA, London (completed)- Lighting fixture design

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  Eames Office

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2001

  Multidisciplinary Designer

  Responding directly to the CEO Eames Demetrios, I designed and developed projects such as exhibition design (Eames Fiberglass Chairs, in Venice, Los Angeles; Powers of Ten, in Lisbon, Portugal), graphic design (Eames Office store brochure; Eames Office christmas card) and point-of-sale design.

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  RON ARAD AND ASSOCIATES LIMITED

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2003

  Industrial Designer

  In my role as an Industrial Designer, I worked directly with RON ARAD on a range of industrial and furniture designs such as: 1) a stainless steel barware set for ALESSI, 2) an outdoor plastic lounger for SERRALUNGA, and 3) a pendant light for DECORUM. Additionally, I coordinated the on-site installation of a Ron Arad-designed hotel bedroom for CAPPELLINI at the Milan Furniture Fair.

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  Filipe Alarcão Design Studio

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2006

  Senior Industrial Designer

  In my role as Senior Industrial Designer, and responding directly to the the creative director Filipe Alarcão, I designed a number of furniture, industrial and graphic design projects for companies and cultural institutions such as VISTA ALEGRE-ATLANTIS, SCHRÉDER, LUX-FRÁGIL and MACE-CAC (Elvas Contemporary Art Museum).

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  Havas

  Jan 2007 - Sept 2007

  Senior Industrial Designer

  As Senior Industrial Designer at HAVAS, I designed a variety of signage, packaging, and exhibition projects for clients such as SAGRES, COMPAL, and CHICCO. Reposting directly to the Creative Director, I honed my skills in industrial design and project management, ensuring successful outcomes for each project.

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  Foreign Office Architects

  Jul 2008 - Jun 2010

  Responding directly to the CEOs Alejandro Zaera-Polo and Farshid Moussavi, I sourced new business opportunities worldwide, wrote design reports, designed and prepared EOI/PQQ/RFQ/RFP, credentials, brochures, booklets and other PR/Marketing materials. Responding directly to the CEO Alejandro Zaera-Polo, I designed a number of architectural competition submissions such as retail design (Zara Flagship Store, Rome), high-rise mixed use (Shenzhen University Station Skyscraper), industrial design (Ceranco urban furniture, Reggiani light fixtures). Responding directly to the CEOs, I designed and prepared all architectural competition submissions such as EOI/PQQ/RFQ/RFP, booklets, brochures, posters and boards.

  • Senior Business Development Manager

    Jan 2009 - Jun 2010

  • Architectural Designer

    Jan 2009 - Jun 2010

  • Senior Designer

    Jul 2008 - Jun 2009
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  AZPML LIMITED

  Jul 2010 - Sept 2012

  Responding directly to the CEO Alejandro Zaera-Polo, I managed the London office and oversaw a number of international architectural design competitions, working on-site and remotely together with a team of Barcelona and London-based architects, designers and engineers.BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Oversaw the worldwide delivery of all EOI, PQQ, RFP, RFQ, & design submissions; Sourced new business & liaised with building industry’s stakeholders.ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Co-designed & project-managed the prize-winning Shenzhen University High Rise proposal, a 100,000+ sqm skyscraper w/ hotel, office, retail, parking and transit interface.FAÇADE DESIGN: 1) Delivered the façade design of John Lewis’ Store at New Street Railway Station, Birmingham; 2) Co-designed & project-managed a media façade proposal for MARKS & SPENCER’s in Shanghai.Interior Design: Designed & project-managed the shortlisted ZARA flagship store concept 5-storey design submission, in Rome.INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: 1) Bus shelter concept for Birmingham New Street Railway Station; 2) Lighting fixtures for REGGIANI; 3) Benches, bollards & paper bin for PORCELANOSA.GRAPHIC DESIGN: Designed & issued dozens of 100+ page booklets, presentation boards & other deliverables for design submissions.Book design for The Sniper's Log, published by ACTAR and the Princeton University Press (completed)WRITING:Authored various design reports in support of architectural submissions - in English. Show less

  • Senior Project Manager

    Jul 2010 - Sept 2012

  • Senior Architectural Designer

    Jul 2010 - Sept 2012
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  Manuel Tavora Design

  Jan 2013 - Dec 2015

  Design Lead

  As Design Lead at MANUEL TÁVORA DESIGN in Lisbon, I led a team of designers developing architectural, industrial, and graphic design projects for international clients like GOOGLE, COCA-COLA, and RED BULL, among other. Some high-profile highlights include Google's Offices fit-out in Madrid and a design proposal for Coca-Cola head offices in London. Additionally, I actively recruited new clients, resulting in increased business and delivered customer satisfaction.

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  Collaborative Architect Makers

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2019

  Lead Architectural Designer

  Working with other architects at COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECT MAKERS in Barcelona, I co-designed and developed international master planning and architectural design competitions in Spain and Latvia, which included award-winning submissions for RAIL BALTICA and MAHÓN PORT AUTHORITY, as well as designing a proposal for a Tramway Station in Saudi Arabia. I also authored design & engineering reports and created presentation boards for design submissions.

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  ArtOne Education

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2021

  Design Teacher

  As a Design Tutor at ART ONE EDUCATION, I developed and delivered several custom-tailored design courses, workshops and masterclasses to students and professionals all across China in cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Shijiazhuang, focusing on fostering creativity and critical thinking through design. From all these experiences, I can highlight the 'Thinking through Design' workshop for children aged 6-12, which I created and conducted the in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province.

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  WorkPlane Design

  Jan 2017 - Jul 2019

  Design Lead & Country Manager (China)

  As Design Lead & Country Manager at WORKPLANE DESIGN, I oversaw a team of Chinese industrial designers while based in Guangzhou, managing projects for consumer electronics, lighting, bathware, and kitchenware. We achieved a 4-fold increase in project numbers, and won an IF Design Award in 2019. Part of my remit included managing finances, meeting clients, and sourcing suppliers to ensure successful project delivery.

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  TAWO Design

  Jul 2019 - Feb 2023

  Design Lead

  At TAWO DESIGN, I founded and manage my own industrial design studio in Guangzhou, China. Overseeing the entire design process, from concept development to final delivery, I manage a team of talented Chinese industrial designers, developing innovative projects in lighting, consumer electronics, bathware, ceramics, furniture, and accessories for Chinese clients. In addition, I am actively engaged in business development, sourcing new clients in China and Spain, meeting client's needs and ensuring business growth. Show less

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  The Institute for Study Abroad

  Jan 2022 - Feb 2023

  Teaching Faculty - Design Thinking

  As part of the IFSA Teaching Faculty in Barcelona, I put together and delivered the Design Thinking module as part of the curriculum available for American undergraduate students enrolling the exchange programs.The Design Thinking modules lasts 4 months and is taught twice per week.

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  Energy Sistem

  Mar 2022 - Feb 2023

  Lead Industrial Designer

  As Lead Industrial Designer at ENERGY SISTEM, I design CMF (colours, materials, and finishes) and packaging for True Wireless Earphones, Gaming Keyboards and other consumer electronics. My role includes creative direction of a team of Chinese designers working remotely, as well as overall design management, including keeping project in time and on budget.

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  Escofet 1886

  Jan 2023 - Dec 2024

  Head of Design

  As head of design at ESCOFET 1886, I lead a team of talented designers and engineers, providing creative direction to of all new products. I curate Escofet's standard product catalogue and design manage all bespoke and special projects. I also lead all external design collaborations with global design studios - such as FOSTER + PARTNERS, MVRDV, and others - including fee negotiation, project briefing and project management. Additionally, I oversee the design and publication of all marketing materials, such as general catalogues, themed brochures, the company's website and social networks. I represent Escofet domestically and abroad in design conferences, fairs, symposia and other design engagements. I sit on Escofet's board and respond directly to its CEO. Show less